Barrel/Cask Strength Bourbons

Some of the higher proof bourbons use the terminology of being Barrel Strength or Cask Strength. I am assuming that those terms are used synonymously. Does anyone discern any differences between the two?

I seem to enjoy higher proof bourbons the most. Can anyone suggest any others to try in addition to the following:

Re: Barrel/Cask Strength Bourbons

They are one in the same...

PHC is on their 5th release and so far only 2 of the 5 have been cask/barrel strength releases so PHC wouldn't always fall into that category.

Four Roses has a barrel proof product and IMO stands toe to toe with the BTAC stuff. The one caveot to that is that the FR bottles are single barrels where the BTAC stuff is batched so you have to trust that whoever is picking the barrels has a good pallet or at least one that aligns with your preferences.

BTAC also has Handy in the collection which is a 6-7yr old cask strength rye whiskey.

There are also various Willett bottles out there that range from 2yr rye's to 23yr bourbons. I've been lucky enough to score some bottles of Willett that I would take over GTS, WLW, or PHC everyday of the week. I wouldn't discount the bourbon that they have just because the aren't HH, BT, or FR.

Re: Barrel/Cask Strength Bourbons

Originally Posted by JayMonster

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is Barrel Strength as well (if I am not mistaken) and well regarded.

The website states that, but technically it's not Barrel Strength, unless they're magically finding lots of barrels at the same proof. Same for OGD 114. Love the high proof, but there are always variations in barrels.

Re: Barrel/Cask Strength Bourbons

Originally Posted by White Dog

The website states that, but technically it's not Barrel Strength, unless they're magically finding lots of barrels at the same proof. Same for OGD 114. Love the high proof, but there are always variations in barrels.

I find it hard to believe too but they could always mix a bunch together to achieve a certain proof. It's NAS too, so gives them more flexability.

Re: Barrel/Cask Strength Bourbons

If you watch Julian Van Winkle's interview on the Buffalo Trace Oral History website he gives a little info about SW Weller 7/107. They barreled at a low proof, around 107, and diluted just enough to get it back to 107 when bottling it. SW called it barrel strength.

Not sure what proof WT barrels at, probably around 120, but I also find it hard to believe it comes back at 108 proof. Doesn't diminish my like for Rare Breed though!